News: #Ethiopia moves closer to securing $300 million #WB loan for rural connectivity project
The Ethiopian government has initiated a study to secure a $300 million loan from the World Bank for its "Rural Connectivity for Food Security" project.
The study is expected to be finished by March 2024, with implementation set to begin in April 2024.
The project aims to construct 108,797 kilometers of rural roads to improve market access for farmers.
https://addisstandard.com/news-ethiopia-moves-closer-to-securing-300-million-wb-loan-for-rural-connectivity-project/
The Ethiopian government has initiated a study to secure a $300 million loan from the World Bank for its "Rural Connectivity for Food Security" project.
The study is expected to be finished by March 2024, with implementation set to begin in April 2024.
The project aims to construct 108,797 kilometers of rural roads to improve market access for farmers.
https://addisstandard.com/news-ethiopia-moves-closer-to-securing-300-million-wb-loan-for-rural-connectivity-project/
Addis Standard
News: Ethiopia moves closer to securing $300 million WB loan for rural connectivity project - Addis Standard
News: Ethiopia moves closer to securing $300 million WB loan for rural connectivity project Addis Standard News -
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The #US has called for inclusive, transparent, and credible transitional justice efforts in #Ethiopia.
During a briefing on "Anticipating Justice and Accountability Around the World" at the Foreign Press Center, the US ambassador for Global Criminal Justice, Beth Van Schaack, reiterated the US’s commitment to ensure justice for the crimes committed in #Tigray, #Amhara, and #Afar regions during the two-year war.
During a briefing on "Anticipating Justice and Accountability Around the World" at the Foreign Press Center, the US ambassador for Global Criminal Justice, Beth Van Schaack, reiterated the US’s commitment to ensure justice for the crimes committed in #Tigray, #Amhara, and #Afar regions during the two-year war.
#Ethiopia: Police investigating tragic killing of 9-year-old girl in #Jigjiga, #Somali_region
Police in Jigjiga are investigating the brutal murder of 9-year-old Fatuma Ugaas, who was raped and hanged inside her home.
Her body was found with signs of sexual assault, and four men are in custody.
https://addisstandard.com/news-police-investigating-tragic-killing-of-9-year-old-girl-in-jigjiga-somali-region/
Police in Jigjiga are investigating the brutal murder of 9-year-old Fatuma Ugaas, who was raped and hanged inside her home.
Her body was found with signs of sexual assault, and four men are in custody.
https://addisstandard.com/news-police-investigating-tragic-killing-of-9-year-old-girl-in-jigjiga-somali-region/
Addis Standard
News: Police investigating tragic killing of 9-year-old girl in Jigjiga, Somali region - Addis Standard
Jigjiga, the capital city of Somali regional state (Photo: Abdirahman Isak/May 2020) Addis Abeba – Police in Somali region’s capital Jigjiga are currently investigating the brutal murder of a 9-year-old girl named Fatuma Ugaas, who was raped and hanged with…
#Ethiopia: Fighting recommences in several cities of #Amhara region after days of normalcy
Renewed clashes in Amhara region result in multiple fatalities and injuries, with gunfire and heavy artillery reported in several cities.
Hospitals in the affected areas are facing shortages of supplies and blood reserves.
The UN expresses concerns over the escalating situation, while the command post assures a return to normalcy.
https://addisstandard.com/news-fighting-recommences-in-several-cities-of-amhara-region-after-days-of-normalcy/
Renewed clashes in Amhara region result in multiple fatalities and injuries, with gunfire and heavy artillery reported in several cities.
Hospitals in the affected areas are facing shortages of supplies and blood reserves.
The UN expresses concerns over the escalating situation, while the command post assures a return to normalcy.
https://addisstandard.com/news-fighting-recommences-in-several-cities-of-amhara-region-after-days-of-normalcy/
Addis Standard
News: Fighting recommences in several cities of Amhara region after days of normalcy - Addis Standard
News: Fighting recommences in several cities of Amhara region after days of normalcy Addis Standard News -
Bereaved families from #Ethiopian community rally for boy killed in hit-and-run
Hundreds of protesters in #Tel_Aviv gathered to express their anger over law enforcement's handling of a hit-and-run case that resulted in the death of a young boy.
Led by members of the Ethiopian community, the protesters accused authorities of racism and leniency towards the driver.
The demonstration turned violent, with some activists breaking through police barriers and throwing projectiles.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/bereaved-families-from-ethiopian-community-rally-for-boy-killed-in-hit-and-run/
Hundreds of protesters in #Tel_Aviv gathered to express their anger over law enforcement's handling of a hit-and-run case that resulted in the death of a young boy.
Led by members of the Ethiopian community, the protesters accused authorities of racism and leniency towards the driver.
The demonstration turned violent, with some activists breaking through police barriers and throwing projectiles.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/bereaved-families-from-ethiopian-community-rally-for-boy-killed-in-hit-and-run/
The Times of Israel
Bereaved families from Ethiopian community rally for boy killed in hit-and-run
Week after violent Tel Aviv protest, activists clash with cops during fresh demonstration seeking justice for Rafael Adana; 1 officer hospitalized, police deploy stun grenades
#Ethiopia- #SouthSudan is in talks with #Kenya and #Ethiopia to truck oil to the coast for export, which would mitigate the risk of depending on pipelines running through war-plagued #Sudan
The African nation relies on oil shipments to fund state coffers. South Sudan President Salva Kiir discussed the transport alternative with his Kenyan counterpart during an Aug. 19 meeting, Deputy Finance Minister Agok Makur said in an interview
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-08-30/south-sudan-in-talks-to-bypass-conflict-by-trucking-oil-exports
The African nation relies on oil shipments to fund state coffers. South Sudan President Salva Kiir discussed the transport alternative with his Kenyan counterpart during an Aug. 19 meeting, Deputy Finance Minister Agok Makur said in an interview
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-08-30/south-sudan-in-talks-to-bypass-conflict-by-trucking-oil-exports
Bloomberg.com
South Sudan in Talks to Bypass Conflict by Trucking Oil Exports
South Sudan is in talks with Kenya and Ethiopia to truck oil to the coast for export, which would mitigate the risk of depending on pipelines running through war-plagued Sudan.
#Safaricom’s mobile money rollout in #Ethiopia marks moment for ‘last frontier’
“By the end of #September we will fully launch M-Pesa here. We have been building technology, created products, and will have M-Pesa integrated with more banks — the opportunity is massive,” Peter Ndegwa, chief executive of Safaricom said.
***
Ndegwa added that Safaricom made a bet “on the future of the country” when it secured the telecoms licence in 2021 at the peak of a brutal two-year conflict in northern Ethiopia, which ended with a peace deal in November last year.
“We knew that the political conflict had to be resolved or settled before the economic transformation was accelerated,” Ndegwa added. Since starting operations last year, the Kenya-based company has attracted more than 5mn mobile phone customers in Ethiopia. Its green billboards are almost as ubiquitous in Addis Abeba as they have been in Nairobi for the past three decades.
https://www.ft.com/content/09229ea0-aa7b-4121-b5c5-9cff60cae11f
“By the end of #September we will fully launch M-Pesa here. We have been building technology, created products, and will have M-Pesa integrated with more banks — the opportunity is massive,” Peter Ndegwa, chief executive of Safaricom said.
***
Ndegwa added that Safaricom made a bet “on the future of the country” when it secured the telecoms licence in 2021 at the peak of a brutal two-year conflict in northern Ethiopia, which ended with a peace deal in November last year.
“We knew that the political conflict had to be resolved or settled before the economic transformation was accelerated,” Ndegwa added. Since starting operations last year, the Kenya-based company has attracted more than 5mn mobile phone customers in Ethiopia. Its green billboards are almost as ubiquitous in Addis Abeba as they have been in Nairobi for the past three decades.
https://www.ft.com/content/09229ea0-aa7b-4121-b5c5-9cff60cae11f
One in four people in #Somalia have now fled their homes
Somalia's displacement crisis has hit record levels, with a quarter of the population now displaced by drought and conflict, according to Islamic Relief. Over 4.3 million people are internally displaced within Somalia, the highest figure ever recorded in the country.
The city of #Baidoa, in the southwest bay region, is one of the main centers of the displacement crisis. Vast camps encircle the city and stretch for miles. Although there are officially 740,065 people in these camps, aid workers believe the numbers could be even higher as many are unverified and unrecorded.
The drought in Somalia has killed people, livestock, and crops, leading to increased food prices and widespread destitution. As many as 43,000 people are estimated to have died in the drought last year, with half of the deaths being children under five years old. Half of Somalia's population is currently facing food insecurity, and close to 1.8 million children are suffering from malnutrition.
https://www.islamic-relief.org.uk/one-in-four-people-in-somalia-have-now-fled-their-homes/#:~:text=A%20quarter%20of%20all%20people,displacement%20crisis%20hits%20record%20levels.
Somalia's displacement crisis has hit record levels, with a quarter of the population now displaced by drought and conflict, according to Islamic Relief. Over 4.3 million people are internally displaced within Somalia, the highest figure ever recorded in the country.
The city of #Baidoa, in the southwest bay region, is one of the main centers of the displacement crisis. Vast camps encircle the city and stretch for miles. Although there are officially 740,065 people in these camps, aid workers believe the numbers could be even higher as many are unverified and unrecorded.
The drought in Somalia has killed people, livestock, and crops, leading to increased food prices and widespread destitution. As many as 43,000 people are estimated to have died in the drought last year, with half of the deaths being children under five years old. Half of Somalia's population is currently facing food insecurity, and close to 1.8 million children are suffering from malnutrition.
https://www.islamic-relief.org.uk/one-in-four-people-in-somalia-have-now-fled-their-homes/#:~:text=A%20quarter%20of%20all%20people,displacement%20crisis%20hits%20record%20levels.
Islamic Relief UK
One in four people in Somalia have now fled their homes
A quarter of all people in Somalia are now displaced by drought and conflict, Islamic Relief says based on the latest official data
#Ethiopia: Police detain seven bishops spearheading “Oromia Orthodox Synod” in #Bishoftu
The police in Bishoftu have detained seven Orthodox bishops who were part of the movement to establish the "Oromia Orthodox Synod".
They were arrested along with their aides and are currently held in police custody.
https://addisstandard.com/news-police-detain-seven-bishops-spearheading-oromia-orthodox-synod-in-bishoftu/
The police in Bishoftu have detained seven Orthodox bishops who were part of the movement to establish the "Oromia Orthodox Synod".
They were arrested along with their aides and are currently held in police custody.
https://addisstandard.com/news-police-detain-seven-bishops-spearheading-oromia-orthodox-synod-in-bishoftu/
Addis Standard
News: Police detain seven bishops spearheading “Oromia Orthodox Synod” in Bishoftu - Addis Standard
News: Police detain seven bishops spearheading “Oromia Orthodox Synod” in Bishoftu Addis Standard News -
Farmers in #Amhara region face setback as fertilizer distribution disruptions compound amidst reignited conflict
Farmers in the Amhara region are facing setbacks as over 20,000 quintals of fertilizer have been stolen amidst the escalating conflict between the government and non-state militia, Fano.
Regional authorities have grounded 81 trucks loaded with over 32,000 quintals of fertilizer to prevent further theft.
The delayed application of fertilizer is already jeopardizing the expected yield.
https://addisstandard.com/news-farmers-in-amhara-region-face-setback-as-fertilizer-distribution-disruptions-compound-amidst-reignited-conflict/
Farmers in the Amhara region are facing setbacks as over 20,000 quintals of fertilizer have been stolen amidst the escalating conflict between the government and non-state militia, Fano.
Regional authorities have grounded 81 trucks loaded with over 32,000 quintals of fertilizer to prevent further theft.
The delayed application of fertilizer is already jeopardizing the expected yield.
https://addisstandard.com/news-farmers-in-amhara-region-face-setback-as-fertilizer-distribution-disruptions-compound-amidst-reignited-conflict/
Addis Standard
News: Farmers in Amhara region face setback as fertilizer distribution disruptions compound amidst reignited conflict - Addis Standard
A farmer engaged in row planting in Enarj Enawga woreda of the East Gojjam Zone of the Amhara region (Photo: Agricultural Transformation Institute) Addis Abeba– Farmers in the Amhara region are facing a setback as chemical fertilizers intended for maize and…
#South_Africa- More than 70 dead in #Johannesburg as fire guts migrants' building
Key summary
*More than 70 people have died and more than 50 have been injured after a fire in South Africa's city of #Johannesburg
*The five-storey building in the city centre has been described as "hijacked", meaning it is used by squatters
*Authorities say it’s unclear what sparked the blaze
Emergency services told the BBC the fire gutted the building at about 01:30 (00:30 BST) on Thursday
*Authorities say firefighters evacuated the building’s occupants on arrival, and the search and recovery of bodies is continuing
*Reports suggest the occupants were mostly African migrants.
'Great tragedy' - President Ramaphosa
SA’s President Cyril Ramaphosa has made his first public comments on the blaze in Johannesburg, calling it a "great tragedy".
"Our heart goes out to every person who is affected by this disaster," he said during a visit to Eastern Cape province.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/world-africa-66667954
Key summary
*More than 70 people have died and more than 50 have been injured after a fire in South Africa's city of #Johannesburg
*The five-storey building in the city centre has been described as "hijacked", meaning it is used by squatters
*Authorities say it’s unclear what sparked the blaze
Emergency services told the BBC the fire gutted the building at about 01:30 (00:30 BST) on Thursday
*Authorities say firefighters evacuated the building’s occupants on arrival, and the search and recovery of bodies is continuing
*Reports suggest the occupants were mostly African migrants.
'Great tragedy' - President Ramaphosa
SA’s President Cyril Ramaphosa has made his first public comments on the blaze in Johannesburg, calling it a "great tragedy".
"Our heart goes out to every person who is affected by this disaster," he said during a visit to Eastern Cape province.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/world-africa-66667954
#Ethiopia: Gov’t decision resuscitates feud over city ownership, incites six-month long unrest in Southern #Oromia
The #Guji_Zone in southern #Oromia has been facing unrest for the past six months, exacerbating an already volatile security situation in the area due to conflict between the Oromo Liberation Army and government forces.
Protests ensued after the Oromia regional government announced the formation of the East #Borana_Zone, incorporating 10 districts from surrounding zones. The restructuring was intended to boost development opportunities, address security concerns, and curb corruption, but residents and officials oppose the decision, citing lack of public consultation and a top-down approach.
The protests have severely strained the local economy and pushed residents to the brink.
https://addisstandard.com/analysis-govt-decision-resuscitates-feud-over-city-ownership-incites-six-month-long-unrest-in-southern-oromia/
The #Guji_Zone in southern #Oromia has been facing unrest for the past six months, exacerbating an already volatile security situation in the area due to conflict between the Oromo Liberation Army and government forces.
Protests ensued after the Oromia regional government announced the formation of the East #Borana_Zone, incorporating 10 districts from surrounding zones. The restructuring was intended to boost development opportunities, address security concerns, and curb corruption, but residents and officials oppose the decision, citing lack of public consultation and a top-down approach.
The protests have severely strained the local economy and pushed residents to the brink.
https://addisstandard.com/analysis-govt-decision-resuscitates-feud-over-city-ownership-incites-six-month-long-unrest-in-southern-oromia/
Addis Standard
Analysis: Gov’t decision resuscitates feud over city ownership, incites six-month long unrest in Southern Oromia - Addis Standard
Analysis: Gov’t decision resuscitates feud over city ownership, incites six-month long unrest in Southern Oromia Addis Standard Politics -
#Ethiopia: Concerns mount over well-being of detained MP, Councilmen
Relatives and legal representatives of #ChristianTadele, a member of the House of People’s Representatives; #YohannesBuayalew, a member of the #Amhara Region Council; and #KassaTeshager, a member of the Addis Abeba City Council, have raised concerns about their whereabouts.
It has been two weeks since anyone has had any knowledge of their current location, sparking worries about their well-being and safety.
https://addisstandard.com/news-concerns-mount-over-well-being-of-detained-mp-councilmen/
Relatives and legal representatives of #ChristianTadele, a member of the House of People’s Representatives; #YohannesBuayalew, a member of the #Amhara Region Council; and #KassaTeshager, a member of the Addis Abeba City Council, have raised concerns about their whereabouts.
It has been two weeks since anyone has had any knowledge of their current location, sparking worries about their well-being and safety.
https://addisstandard.com/news-concerns-mount-over-well-being-of-detained-mp-councilmen/
Addis Standard
News: Concerns mount over well-being of detained MP, Councilmen - Addis Standard
News: Concerns mount over well-being of detained MP, Councilmen Addis Standard Law & Justice -
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The demise of the SNNPR explained:
The Southern Nations Nationalities and People’s region (SNNPR) has effectively come to an end giving birth to four independent regional states.
Watch
The Southern Nations Nationalities and People’s region (SNNPR) has effectively come to an end giving birth to four independent regional states.
Watch
African Union suspends Gabon’s membership after military coup
The #AU has suspended #Gabon's participation in all activities following the military coup in the country.
The coup followed disputed elections in which President #AliBongo was declared the winner.
The general who overthrew the Bongo dynasty will be sworn in as transitional president on Monday, while a meeting of heads of state is planned to determine the response to the coup.
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/8/31/african-union-meets-on-gabon-situation-after-military-coup
The #AU has suspended #Gabon's participation in all activities following the military coup in the country.
The coup followed disputed elections in which President #AliBongo was declared the winner.
The general who overthrew the Bongo dynasty will be sworn in as transitional president on Monday, while a meeting of heads of state is planned to determine the response to the coup.
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/8/31/african-union-meets-on-gabon-situation-after-military-coup
Aljazeera
African Union suspends Gabon’s membership after military coup
The body said it ‘strongly condemns the military takeover’ that resulted in the ouster of President Ali Bongo Ondimba.
Exclusive: #Ethiopia, #Angola to join Africa Green Hydrogen Alliance
The announcement, to be made at the Africa Climate Summit in #Nairobi, shows confidence in green hydrogen’s potential, says Jonas Moberg, CEO of the Global Green Hydrogen Organization.
Ethiopia and Angola will be announced as new members of the Africa Green Hydrogen Alliance (AGHA) at the Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi from 4-6 September, Jonas Moberg, CEO of the Global Green Hydrogen Organization, tells The Africa Report.
https://www.theafricareport.com/320559/exclusive-ethiopia-angola-to-join-africa-green-hydrogen-alliance-at-climate-summit/
The announcement, to be made at the Africa Climate Summit in #Nairobi, shows confidence in green hydrogen’s potential, says Jonas Moberg, CEO of the Global Green Hydrogen Organization.
Ethiopia and Angola will be announced as new members of the Africa Green Hydrogen Alliance (AGHA) at the Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi from 4-6 September, Jonas Moberg, CEO of the Global Green Hydrogen Organization, tells The Africa Report.
https://www.theafricareport.com/320559/exclusive-ethiopia-angola-to-join-africa-green-hydrogen-alliance-at-climate-summit/
The Africa Report.com
Exclusive: Ethiopia, Angola to join Africa Green Hydrogen Alliance - The Africa Report.com
The announcement, to be made at the Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi, shows confidence in green hydrogen’s potential, says Jonas Moberg, CEO of the Global Green Hydrogen Organisation.
#Ethiopia: Displacement, horrific violence continue in western #Tigray as #Amhara forces maintain control
Mulugeta Debalkew, the IDP coordinator at the center, stated that the fresh IDPs shared their reasons for fleeing, including escaping from prison and atrocities, as well as forced migration due to hunger, despite the signing of a peace agreement in November 2022.
Mulugeta also revealed that many IDPs were imprisoned including in #Maiytsebri, #Dima, and #Tselemti, where they were subjected to horrific violence and forced to pay a ransom of up to 135,000 birr. According to him, these atrocities and detentions increased following rumors that the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) had disarmed the Fano rebel group operating in the areas they controlled.
https://addisstandard.com/news-displacement-horrific-violence-continue-in-western-tigray-as-amhara-forces-maintain-control/
Mulugeta Debalkew, the IDP coordinator at the center, stated that the fresh IDPs shared their reasons for fleeing, including escaping from prison and atrocities, as well as forced migration due to hunger, despite the signing of a peace agreement in November 2022.
Mulugeta also revealed that many IDPs were imprisoned including in #Maiytsebri, #Dima, and #Tselemti, where they were subjected to horrific violence and forced to pay a ransom of up to 135,000 birr. According to him, these atrocities and detentions increased following rumors that the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) had disarmed the Fano rebel group operating in the areas they controlled.
https://addisstandard.com/news-displacement-horrific-violence-continue-in-western-tigray-as-amhara-forces-maintain-control/
Addis Standard
News: Displacement, Horrific Violence Continue In Western Tigray As Amhara Forces Maintain Control - Addis Standard
News: Displacement, horrific violence continue in western Tigray as Amhara forces maintain control Addis Standard
#Ethiopia: #Visa backs upcoming Enkopa tech and entrepreneurship summit
Visa, a global leader in digital payments, has signed on as platinum sponsor for the Enkopa Summit in Addis Abeba.
The tech and entrepreneurship summit, organized by Laurendeau and Associates, aims to drive innovation and collaboration within Ethiopia's startup ecosystem.
https://addisstandard.com/asdailyscoop-visa-backs-upcoming-enkopa-tech-and-entrepreneurship-summit/
Visa, a global leader in digital payments, has signed on as platinum sponsor for the Enkopa Summit in Addis Abeba.
The tech and entrepreneurship summit, organized by Laurendeau and Associates, aims to drive innovation and collaboration within Ethiopia's startup ecosystem.
https://addisstandard.com/asdailyscoop-visa-backs-upcoming-enkopa-tech-and-entrepreneurship-summit/
Addis Standard
#ASDailyScoop: Visa backs upcoming Enkopa tech and entrepreneurship summit - Addis Standard
Enkopa Summit 2022 (Photo:Enkopa Summit.com) Addis Abeba – Visa, the global leader in digital payments, has signed on as Platinum Sponsor for the upcoming Enkopa Summit in Addis Abeba. The tech and entrepreneurship summit, organized by Laurendeau and Associates…